Search Results for lavender

Humans are still a part of nature and we still rely on the beauty, bounty, and benefits of the natural world. But, it seems as though we have forgotten that plant life was humanity’s first pharmacy.

Through life and death trial and error, our inquisitive ancestors experimented with the uses for lavender oil, and many other plants. They knew what they needed to survive without medicine or science as we know it today.

Here are a few surprising uses for how lavender oil can bring a greater element of nature to your life.

Some Background on the Uses for Lavender Oil

Knowing where lavender oil come from helps inform how you can use it.

Lavender is a squat, hardy plant. It has a small scrubby base with flowers that are either purple or greyish blue. Like other plants, the good stuff, the oil, is in the flowers.

Lavender oil is produced through distilling.

Fresh cut lavender is literally stuffed into giant metal stills. Then, steam is pumped into the stuffed stills. The steam causes the oil to burst from the lavender and is carried away in the steam which is pumped out through a pipe.

The steam in the pipe is cooled and the steam-oil condenses into water. The oil naturally separates from the water because they don’t mix at a chemical level. Then the oil is carefully siphoned off and sent to a lab for further purification.

From there, there are many uses for lavender oil.

A lot of them center around returning the oil to a vaporized state. Riding on, water droplets in steam, the oil can be “diffused” throughout a room.

This is what those fancy diffusers do: they vaporize water and essential oils and blow it into the room.

From there, you can enjoy many of the benefits. Click here to see which diffusers make the most of the uses of lavender oil.

Lavender Oil Smells Good

It’s a bit simplistic. But, it’s true. Lavender smells nice and is good for you.

One of the greatest benefits of lavender oil is relaxation. Generally, it helps bring a calm state of mind.

Here’s how…

1. In a Massage

Massages already help you relax. Working out all the tension stored in your body can be greatly supplemented by a natural relaxant. A drip or two of oil in a lotion can add another level of stress release to a massage, calming both body and mind.

2. Sleep Aid

Put a diffuser with a high concentration of lavender oil in a diffuser in your room before bedtime and let it run while you sleep. It will help you fall and stay asleep as you relax into the night time abyss.

You can also put a drop of oil on your pillow to get a similar effect. But keep in mind, oil can stain cloth. If you opt for this, use a not-so-nice pillowcase.

3. Setting Atmosphere

Walking into a room that smells good helps make people feel like they belong. It’s also tremendously comforting to have familiar smells in an unfamiliar place.

No matter where you go, you can bring your diffuser along and make a strange place feel (and smell) like home.

Traveling or moving can be stressful, especially for children. By adding an element of calming familiarity, you can make the change a little earlier on your little ones.

4. Anxiety

Studies show that a daily lavender dosage is comparable to .5 mg of lorazepam. Admittedly, this is a minor substitute for a low dosage of medicine.

But, you could take one less or a reduced dosage of an intense and possibly expensive medication. And you’ll be doing it as naturally as well.

Lavender Has Practical Uses

The uses of lavender oil can be used on other practical settings as well.

Here are a few more ways to use it…

5. Great car air freshener

We spend a lot of time in our cars. We don’t always give cars the same attention like we do to our homes.

Cars can stink. Think about it. They are airtight, are only cooled when we are in them and even the slightest smell can get trapped in the upholstery and the ductwork.

Luckily, lavender oil is pretty potent stuff.

You can mix it in with a water bottle with water and detergents and spray it on stinky upholstery.

Say it smells like something died every time you turn on your air conditioner. You can drop a few drops of lavender in the cabin air intake to clear out most odors.

If the area you drive in has other unpleasant environmental odors, you can put a few drops lavender oil on the air intake filter for your car to mask the odor.

6. Air freshener

The second best part of lavender oil, along with other essential oils, is that it’s completely non-toxic.

That means you can use it to freshen the stinky parts of your home without worry.

Freshen up your baby’s diaper pail with a few drops. Or, put a diffuser in your little one’s room to soothe restlessness when they aren’t feeling well.

Break the diffuser out in your kitchen for a no-worries refresher before or after cooking that aromatic meal.

7. Toilet Freshener

Sometimes your home stinks from what everyone does… if you know what I mean.

You can take down stink at its source with a few drops of oil in the toilet. Mixing lavender oil with other essential oils and water can even give you your oil toilet bowl condition for before and after someone uses it.

8. Toilet Roll

Put a few drops on the inside of your cardboard toilet paper roll for a super discrete air fresher. Everytime it gets used a little lavender oil will be dispersed from the roll, helping to keep things fresh.

In Cooking

9. A Floral Flavor

Lavender oil is strong and it rarely appeals to most foodies. But it is a superb complement to other food with strong flavors.

Use it in place of mint or rose or other floral undertones to change things up.

10. Lemon and lavender

The citrus of lemon and the floral of lavender pair well together.

Just like in a mint lemonade or in salmon seasoning with mint, lavender can step in and add a mellow undertone to strong flavors.

Aromatherapy, essential oils, diffusers–you may be familiar with these words or heard of them. You’ve probably avoided them because you thought they were a fad or hocus pocus.

But now you’re curious. There is something to essential oils and their aromatic compounds. They do smell nice.

Before you go out and buy a diffuser for every room in the house and a set of oils to go with them, you’ll want to learn more about essential oils, what their benefits are, and where is the best place to get them.

Read on to learn all about essential oils and their aromatic compounds.

What Makes an Oil Essential

All oils are extracted from plants. They can be from the fruit, flowers, bark, roots, leaves, seeds, or pretty much any part of a plant.

You might find it interesting to know that essential oils are not really oils like the kind you might use in your kitchen. They’re not fats. Yet, like other oils, they are easily separated from water and dissolve in oil. We should call these oils what they are, which is volatile aromatic compounds.

The reason people call a specific oil essential is that the purest essence of the plant is harvested and extracted to produce the oil. The oil is concentrated, so you only need a small amount to benefit from its properties.

Still, this doesn’t quite explain the term essential. All I can say is that alchemist during the Renaissance period believed that the oil was extracted from the essential part of the plant, of what performed its most important function. That which represented its essence.

And although it referred to aromatic waters, the term stuck.

What Is a Volatile Aromatic Compound?

They are molecules that come from organic compounds, in this case, plants. They are volatile because they tend to change states quickly, from solid to liquid to gas.

If you open a bottle of essential oil, you’ll smell it right away. A person can detect the potent aroma from a distance because it moves quickly through the air and into your nose.

This volatile property makes essential oils perfect for aromatherapy. Currently, there are over 3,000 types of volatile aromatic compounds.

And there are varieties due to factors such as what time of year growers harvest the plants, where the plants grew, the weather, and the method of extraction. All of these play a part in the quality of an essential oil

How Are Aromatic Compounds or Essential Oils Used?

There are three ways you can use essential oils, as an aromatic, topical and internal.

Aromatic

Aroma is what distinguishes essential oils. So it makes sense that their smell is what they’re used for. They are often added to cleaning products and laundry detergent and used as perfumes.

Topical

Many beauty products and body lotions contain aromatic compounds, not only for the aroma, but also for the health benefits for the skin and hair. It’s unsafe to apply some essential oils to the skin unless diluted.

Internal

Internal use of aromatic compounds aren’t as popular, but a person can ingest them. Food and drinks contain added essential oils, as do dietary supplements. We all know that food tastes better because of the way it smells.

What Are the Benefits of Essential Oils?

There are an endless amount of benefits to one’s physical, emotional and spiritual health with aromatic compounds. There’s a good chance there are as many benefits as there are oils. Here are some of the most popular essential oils.

Lavender

Lavender is the most prevalent essential oil. It’s used to help cure a whole list of ailments, including:

Headaches

Acne

Digestive disorders

Eczema

Nausea

Dry skin

Blood circulation

Plus, it smells wonderful!

Lemon

It’s hard to find a cleaning product that doesn’t come with lemon fragrance. It does have antibacterial qualities. It helps with:

Oral health

Boosting your immune system

Nausea

Weight loss

Concentration

Mood

Gout

Many cleansers contain lemon, and it promotes overall health.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another well-used essential oil. Like lemon, it is antimicrobial. It also aids in alleviating headache, halitosis, muscle aches, mood swings, congested sinuses, hunger, and allergies.

Peppermint can give you a great boost of energy.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is not only refreshing to smell but has a long list of medicinal properties. This includes helping reduce allergy symptoms, pain, congestion, respiratory problems, and wounds. It can help with hair growth too.

Eucalyptus, like lemon, is great to use in cleaning products.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree essential oil is the number one antibiotic on the list. Not only that, it is anti-inflammatory and antifungal. For this reason, tea tree helps cure acne, eczema, infections, and mold.

As an essential oil, it’s used in toothpaste, deodorant, and other hygiene products. For some, the scent is overwhelming. For others, it’s fresh and appealing.

Chamomile

Chamomile, like many others, is anti-inflammatory.

As an aromatic, it can help with depression, PMS, sleep disorders, anxiety and many other mood disorders. It can also help with digestion, eczema and healing wounds.

Rosemary

Rosemary is most known as a great addition to many dishes. In addition, it can be used as a disinfectant and helps with mood swings, muscle pain, oral health, headaches, infections, and memory.

Frankincense

Not only has a lovely woody scent, it has many healing qualities. It alleviates acne, scarring from injuries, congestion, PMS, pain, anxiety, and headaches.

Bergamot

Bergamot has a citrusy aroma and helps with mental health. Many people choose bergamot as an essential antidepressant. It not only reduces emotional stress, but also helps with muscle pain, coughs, digestion, and can be used as a disinfectant.

According to Sara Chana Silverstein, who wrote the book Moodtopia, “using herbs and aromatic compounds is a gentle way to enhance one’s emotional state without having to resort to antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, or other medications that may have unwanted side effects.”

Ylang Ylang

Many beauty products contain Ylang Ylang. It promotes healthy hair and skin, reduces inflammation, and has an amazing fragrance. It also helps with mood swings blood flow and heart health.

Because so many essential oils help treat similar ailments or have similar health benefits, they are often combined to cover all the bases.

Where Can I Get Aromatic Compounds?

If you’re wondering where to buy essential oils or aromatic compounds, you have a lot of options. Many local health food stores carry them.

You can also get them online, from a particular brand’s website or on Amazon. But, be sure you’re purchasing high-quality aromatic compounds.

With so many essential oil uses to decide between, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, with a good essential oils guide, you’ll be able to get started incorporating them into your health and home care in positive ways.

These oils do more than just smell good – they have many different benefits that you may not be aware of. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you know why and how to use them. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about essential oil uses!

What Are Essential Oils?

These fragrant oils come from plants, and many people associate essential oils with their pleasant scents. All different parts of the plant can be used to make the oils: the roots, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, depending on the plant.

Distillation is the process used most often to get the oils from the plant. This process leaves a concentrated compound that allows you to reap any healing benefits of the plant.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Tiny molecules from the oils get absorbed by your body, such as through your skin or your nose. When they reach your system, they can influence you in a number of positive ways.

Essential oils can also help out around the house by getting rid of germs. Research supports that essential oils are effective when used on bacteria. The oils actually get into the bacteria’s cell wall and destroy it.

Are These Claims True?

Many people don’t believe that essential oils truly work, in spite of the research on them.

It’s true that there isn’t a lot of research on all the different essential oil uses – at least not yet. However, the studies that have been done largely back up the claims about essential oils.

For example, research has shown that tea tree oil really does help treat acne. It’s also shown that cinnamon oil is especially good at fighting bacteria, and that certain oils can help promote sleep.

Using Essential Oils

There are all kinds of different ways to put essential oils to use. The right way to use an oil depends in part on what kind of oil it is, and also on what you hope to use it for.

Some of the most popular essential oils will need to be diluted or diffused before you can use them. You should never use a full-strength essential oil topically without first checking to make sure it’s safe.

However, many of the benefits of essential oils come simply from breathing the scent. All you need to do is hold the bottle to your nose and take some deep breaths, so the scent can do its job.

Some oils have benefits that can come from ingesting them, but this is another case where it’s important to be careful. If you plan to take oils internally, make sure they’re labeled “food grade” or “therapeutic grade,” and take care with the dosage. You should also check with your healthcare provider before you start taking oils internally.

How to Use Diluted Essential Oils

One of the most popular uses for essential oils is topical application. However, this method almost always requires dilution.

Essential oils are fat soluble, so your skin is able to absorb them. However, they’re usually too strong, and will burn if applied at full strength. You’ll need to use a carrier oil to dilute them. Some good carrier oils:

Almond oil

Avocado oil

Jojoba oil

Coconut oil

Sunflower seed oil

Most of the time, a good ratio is one drop of essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil. However, there are some oils that need a stronger or weaker dilution.

After you’ve diluted it, you can rub the mix directly on your skin. Many people apply essential oils at pulse points like the wrists and ankles.

How to Use Diffused Essential Oils

Diffusing is another common way to reap the benefits of essential oil scents. When you diffuse an oil, you infuse the air around you with its fragrance, so you can breathe it in.

You can buy a diffuser that’s specifically designed for essential oil use. Today’s electronic diffusers are among the best. You plug them in, add water and oil, and they turn it into microparticles in the air. This keeps the air clean, smells nice, and provides you with aromatherapy benefits.

Most of the time, a short period of diffusing, such as half an hour, is enough time to give you the benefits without going through too much oil.

The Most Popular Essential Oils and Their Uses

Now, let’s take a look at some of the top essential oils for different concerns.

Better Sleep

As mentioned above, studies have shown that essential oils can help you get a good night’s sleep. The best oils for sleep include lavender, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, rose, and frankincense.

Less Anxiety

More Focus

If you feel yourself growing unfocused in your day, essential oils can give you the boost you need. Use aromatherapy, or mist your face with an oil-infused blend to really wake you up. Try basil, peppermint, juniper, rosemary, cedar, grapefruit, or vetiver.

More Energy

Need a spark to keep you going that doesn’t come from coffee? Essential oils can boost mood and energy levels, in addition to helping stress dissipate. Good oils for energy include cinnamon, eucalyptus, orange, lemon, grapefruit, black pepper, spearmint, and jasmine.

How to Use This Essential Oils Guide

The world of essential oils is a big one, and this essential oils guide is just the start. However, with this basic knowledge, you’re ready to get started experiencing the benefits of essential oil uses for yourself.

This is because more and more people are becoming aware of their powerful healing properties. These oils aren’t just for aromatherapy and relaxation. They can fight infections and improve health conditions, too.

In this article, we’ll tell you how to use these healing oils to your advantage.

Let’s get right into it!

10 Healing Oils You Should be Using

Read on to find out how to make home remedies with essential oils.

1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is often used to ease nasal congestion and clear airways, but that’s not all it’s good for.

2. Lavender

Whether you have acne, dry skin, itchiness, cuts or burns, this oil can help.

It’s antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial, and best of all, it’s gentle. This means that unlike many other oils, it doesn’t need to be diluted before it can be applied.

It’s also great for reducing the appearance of scars. With frequent use, it reduces the growth of new scar tissue, evening the tone of the skin.

To use it, simply apply 2-4 drops of lavender oil to the skin several times a day.

3. Lemon

We’re used to seeing lemon oil used in cleaning products for its refreshing smell and antibacterial properties, but it also has other powerful capabilities.

It’s been used to reduce morning sickness in pregnant women, but it’s great for anyone who’s having stomach problems. If you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, try inhaling lemon essential oil, and you’ll feel better.

This can also help to soothe other digestive problems, such as gastritis and constipation.

4. Tea Tree

Tea tree is another essential oil that is perfect for treating problematic skin.

It’s long been used by Aboriginal tribes for its healing benefits and regenerative powers, and now, it’s most commonly found in acne products.

As well as being antibacterial and antimicrobial, it also stimulates blood circulation. This makes it even more effective for wound healing and treating fungal infections.

It can be applied topically using a cotton pad or swab, without any dilution at all. However, diluted versions are available for those who prefer a gentler form of the oil.

You can also use it as a natural hand sanitizer.

5. Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil is packed with vitamins A and C, which have several benefits for skin and hair.

If you have dry, damaged hair, you can apply it from the roots to the ends. This will prevent further damage and encourage regeneration of healthy hair.

6. Copaiba

This oil, derived from the sap of trees in South America, is handy to keep in your home in case you suffer an injury.

It has high levels of beta-caryophyllene, which reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process. The oil also acts as a natural pain reliever.

If you’re experiencing muscle aches or pains, you can massage copaiba oil into the area for relief. This is especially useful after an intense workout.

You can also ingest the oil if you prefer. Many essential oils aren’t safe to be used this way, but that isn’t the case with copaiba.

7. Sandalwood

If you have a cough or a sore throat, sandalwood is one of the best essential oils to have in your medicine cabinet.

Simply put a few drops into a cup of water and gargle for some quick relief.

Since it’s a natural antiseptic, it will also treat other infections in the mouth, such as ulcers, wounds, sores, and boils.

Sandalwood oil can also be used to treat urinary tract infections. It soothes inflammation in the urinary system, allowing urine to pass more easily and painlessly while fighting the infection.

8. Clove

Clove oil is used as a key ingredient for oral health products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and even medication.

It treats toothaches and mouth ulcers by reducing pain and killing germs. You can apply a drop directly onto the tooth, or make a compress with gauze or a cotton ball.

To do this, mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of olive oil, and dip the gauze or cotton into the mixture. Then, place it on the site of pain or infection and bite down. Keep it there for around ten minutes, then rinse your mouth with water.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary has several benefits. It’s been used to stimulate hair growth, reduce stress, improve memory function, to name just a few. However, one of the most sought-after benefits is its ability to normalize blood pressure.

Studies have shown that it helps patients with hypotension to bring their blood pressure back up to a healthier level. Before using it for this purpose, it’s best to consult a doctor.

10. Oregano

This flavorful herb is more than just a seasoning.

As well as enjoying it on your food, you can reap the health-boosting benefits by applying the oil topically.

Dilute it with water or coconut oil and apply it to warts, fungal infections, sore muscles, and joints. This will combat infection and speed up your recovery.

Create Essential Oil Combinations

Experiment with these healing oils, and you may find that you’re healthier, more comfortable and more relaxed in the long run.

You don’t have to use them on their own, though. You can mix them to create all-in-one healing solutions.

Essential oils are a lot more useful than just smelling nice. Dating back to biblical times, these oils have been treating ailments for centuries.

Essential oils have been used throughout Chinese, Roman, and Greek medicines and were even used in the ancient Egyptian mummification process.

Today, these oils are used for a range of ailments, illnesses, and conditions. Anxiety, stress, cramps, headache and pain relief – the list goes on!

If you’re looking to learn more about these incredible natural substances, find out more with these 7 essential oil facts.

What Are Essential Oils?

Made from plant-derived compounds which plants use to protect themselves from disease and infection, essential oils are 100% natural.

These compounds are derived from the seeds, leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit and flowers of different types of plants. It’s estimated that 10% of the world’s plants are used in essential oil production – the rest remains completely untapped.

However, this number increases year-by-year as many people seek to find and wield the benefits of our natural plant-life.

Today, there are over 300 variations of distilled essential oils used to treat various ailments, illnesses, and conditions.

Interestingly, an essential oil is not actually an oil. It’s comprised primarily of plant compounds and contains no fatty acids.

Essentially, fatty acids are the primary compound found in all oils, so technically, an essential oil not an oil at all!

7 Interesting Essential Oil Facts

Plant life essential oils work to protect their host from all types of infestations and disease throughout their lifetime.

Mankind has come to understand that by harnessing these protective essential oils they can be used for human ailments too.

However, in order to do this, certain plants undergo a rigorous distillation process in order to extract these essential oils.

In fact, singular plant yields are virtually minuscule. In order to produce just 0.16 oz of rose essential oil, it takes 22 pounds of rose petals!

Just keep on reading for more interesting facts about oils that are said to harness the essence of life…

2. Essential Oils are Volatile

This just means that when the oil is exposed to air, it is immediately expelled as a gas. Hence the reason why essential oils have such a strong, powerful scent.

These volatile compounds also mean that undiluted essential oils evaporate very quickly into the air. So if used on the skin, it doesn’t leave a lingering, oily feel.

3. Essential Oils are Soluble

As we mentioned previously, essential oils actually contain zero fatty compounds. This means that they are lipid soluble and dissolve when combined with other fats.

Therefore in order to wear an essential oil as a perfume or use it in massage oils, combine it with a ”carrier” oil. This reduces the rate of evaporation and increases absorption into the skin.

Additionally, essentials oils have the unique ability to penetrate deep into cell membranes of the skin, tissue, and blood.

They are easily transported and metabolized by the body just like any other nutrient.

4. Essential Oils Carry Anti-Oxidants

One of the most renowned benefits of essential oils is their anti-oxidative nature. They are just as beneficial as many fruits and vegetables.

Essential oils help to protect against cell damage, cell mutation, cell oxidation, aging and a poor immune system. Along with this, they support vital bodily functions such as hormone and enzyme regulation and the secretion of endorphins and antibodies.

Essential oils are also incredible carriers of oxygen which, in turn, helps to transport important nutrients to cells throughout the body.

5. Essential Oils are Anti-Microbial

Essential oils help to protect against the spread and proliferation of bacteria.

During both test tubing and within the human body, essential oils have proven to fend off even the harshest of bacterias such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Some of the best oils to help fight against bacteria include the likes of tea tree, lavender, Manuka, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, thyme, and oregano.

Essential oil diffusion throughout the home works wonders in boosting the oxygen in each room while removing harmful toxins, ions, mold, and odors.

6. Essential Oils Help to Balance Stress and Anxiety

Humans and animals alike have an incredibly sensitive olfactory system which controls our sense of smell and the stimulations we receive.

Each year more than 29 million people are diagnosed with sinus issues. If you are one of these unlucky people, wouldn’t you like to find a more natural way to feel better? You can use essential oils for congestion.

Essential oils garner the power of plants to maintain a healthy body. These oils were used in ancient practices and can be effective as your first treatment.

In this article, we will discuss which oils are best to fight your systems and help combat your congestion, headaches, and sinus pressure.

Essential Oils for Congestion

Here are seven of the best essential oils to use when you are congested or have a cold. Using these oils early and correctly can help you fight this disease and keep you out of the doctor’s office.

1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptol is the primary component of eucalyptus oil. The Eucalyptus tree is found in Australia and is known as a cure-all. It has been used for centuries by doctors to relieve bronchial and chest congestion.

Several cough drops and other medicines have eucalyptus in it. The smell is very pronounced with it’s spicy, cooling fragrance.

Eucalyptus’ healthy antiviral, antibacterial, and antispasmodic properties help clear airways and reduce congestion. It can also help reduce the overproduction of mucus.

You should mix this oil with a carrier oil and apply directly to the chest. This method is long-lasting and acts as an effective vapor rub.

You can even use 20-25 drops in a bottle with peroxide to mist in the air to destroy airborne microbes.

2. Peppermint

Along with congestion, headaches are very common. Peppermint can be effective to fight headaches, fevers, and chest congestion.

This oil has high antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Menthol is the main component and has been used for thousands of years to remedy illness.

You can rub peppermint on your chest to relieve congestion or apply to the bottom of your feet to reduce fevers.

This is a very strong oil, so be sure to use a carrier oil.

3. Lemon

Lemon has a fresh scent. Lemon is another essential oil for congestion.

This oil is harvested from the rinds of lemons by cold pressing. Lemons possess high levels of Vitamin C, citric acid, and calcium, which all fight germs and toxins.

Lemon oil helps the body break down the mucus to alleviate congestion. This oil can also boost your immune system to keep the sickness away.

You can use lemon oil in various ways including mixing with a carrier oil to rub on your chest or throat for congestion. You can ingest lemon oil, so you can add to hot tea along with honey to soothe a sore throat and congestion.

Using lemon oil in a diffuser helps clean a room’s air of microbes and bacteria.

4. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is remarkably effective to relieve a cough, congestion, and sore throat. This oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree and was originally used to make tea.

This oil has been used along with the bark and leaves of the tree for antiseptic and healing methods for centuries.

Tea tree oil can defeat cold and flu germs with its antimicrobial and antiseptic characteristics.

To use this oil, rub it directly on your chest, behind your ears, or beneath your nose. It can be used as much as 5-6 times daily.

You can gargle with tea tree oil, but do not swallow.

5. Oregano

Oregano is popular to fight colds and flu because it can be effective as antibiotics if used early. It was first used in Greece as a treatment for infection. Oregano was also used in food to destroy bacteria.

Oregano has high amounts of thymol and caracrol, which are effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal agents. This oil can boost your immune system by accelerating white blood cell production.

This is a powerful oil and should be used cautiously. Be sure to dilute with a carrier oil when you rub on any part of your body such as by the nose or on the chest.

Oregano can be taken internally, but it must be diluted.

6. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most common oils for relaxation, but it can be used to combat congestion and colds. This oil is one of the more mellow oils but packs a punch with some cold-fighting properties that can break up mucus.

Because it also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics, lavender can aid with colds and congestion. When you notice a cold approaching, get out the lavender to inhale either through a diffuser or directly from the bottle.

Lavender can also stimulate the circulatory system and boost your immune system. You can reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep by rubbing this oil on pressure points or sprinkling a few drops on your pillow.

This oil is so gentle that you do not need a carrier oil. Diffuse this enjoyable smell to reduce stress and anxiety. At the same time, you are destroying bacteria in the air.

7. Pine or Cedarwood

When you feel overrun by congestion, pine or cedarwood oils can help you loosen the buildup of mucus.

This oil comes from the needles of the pine or cedarwood tree. These oils have been around for centuries to battle bacteria and inflammation.

You can use pine oils daily to utilize the germ-fighting properties to battle respiratory illnesses.

These oils are best in a diffuser or inhaled with steam. You can even take the bottle with you and sniff directly from the bottle a few times a day.

How To Use Oils

Along with the methods listed above, you can use the essential oils for congestion through these methods:

The number of chemicals that are contained in deodorant could fill up that whole area underneath your sink. To avoid contact with these unknown chemical substances and their unknown effects, you can make your own chemical-free deodorants.

Using essential oils and household products, homemade deodorant is cheaper, safer, and more reliable than storebought products. You’ll also be able to get scents that you can’t find on drugstore shelves. Creating your own DIY chemical free deodorant allows you to have a closer connection with your self-care products while knowing exactly what it’s made of.

If you’re interested in creating your own chemical-free deodorant, you’ll find that it’s easier than you might have imagined. Here is a simple guide to making your own deodorant

Gather Your Ingredients

Most of the ingredients for your homemade chemical free deodorant can be found at your local health food or grocery store. By using products on your body that are safe to be eaten, you can be sure that whatever you create won’t cause an allergic reaction.

Get these ingredients for the best results for your homemade deodorant:

Making Your Deodorant Bars

Making your own deodorant bars should take a little under an hour. Set aside plenty of time to make mistakes and for cleanup. A two-hour window is ideal.

Once you’ve got the ingredients together for your chemical free deodorant, you’re ready to begin.

Step 1

Get a double boiler running. If you don’t have a double boiler, start by taking a large saucepan and filling it with 2 inches of water. Get it warm and then put an empty pot or a mason jar in the water.

Don’t wait until the water is boiling before adding the second pot. The pressure could be dangerous. Add the second bowl, pot, or jar while the water is still warming.

Once the bowl starts to get warm, it’s time to start adding some ingredients into the mix of things.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil, shea butter (or replacements), along with your beeswax into the double boiler.

If you get stuck, a large mason jar will suffice for this recipe so long as you have a utensil to stir with. Pretty much anything can be used that won’t crack with the heat from the boiling pan. Keep stirring intently to assure that the ingredients are smooth.

Stir until you feel everything is adequately combined.

Step 3

In this step, we’ll put in the oils, powders, and all of the remaining ingredients.

You need to act quickly here because the mixture will soon harden. Stir gently until you feel that everything is adequately mixed.

When you’re adding essential oils, remember that they’re very strong. Start with just a few drops and then add to your taste. Adding vitamin E is helpful to maintain healthy skin.

Since you’re applying deodorant to skin that builds up with sweat and oils, vitamin E can counteract some of that.

Step 4

It’s time to make your bars. While the mixture is still warm, you should pour the mixture into something like a muffin tin. find a mold that looks good to you around the house.

You can always use old deodorant sticks. Wait until it’s a little denser and then spoon into the stick. Your mixture should be about as thick as peanut better when you do this.

Scoop it in and pack it down to make a solid and dense mold. Once it’s filled, leave the cap of your deodorant off overnight so that you can be sure it dries completely.

Make It Your Own

You can take some extra steps to ensure that the deodorant is up to your standards. Try these three ideas to make it unique.

1. Lower the Baking Soda

Baking soda is irritating to some people. If you have sensitive skin, it can make you break out or just itch a whole lot. If you think you might be allergic or sensitive, you can avoid it altogether.

Instead, add cornstarch or some arrowroot. These are both great for sensitive skin and don’t interfere with the scent of the deodorant.

2. Add More Beeswax

Beeswax creates a much smoother chemical free deodorant that goes on easily. When you’re applying a deodorant higher in beeswax, you’ll know the difference.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s often much better. If you can’t find beeswax, try adding more coconut oil and butter. That will maintain that ease of use while not disrupting the consistency.

3. More Probiotics Fight Scents

Essential oils are great for fighting smells, but Probiotic pills are anti-bacterial and can help fight even better. Scents on your skin are created by bacteria. As you apply probiotic deodorant, you make them feel at risk. The deodorant can kill the bacteria and make you smell a whole lot better.

Chemical Free Deodorant Is a Breeze

If you’ve never made your own beauty products before, this can be a great project to start with. It’s a little more complex than say, making your own lotion, but can be a lot of fun. Play with the essential oils to figure out what your perfect balance is.

IF you’re interested in other natural ways to use essential oils or beauty products, contact us for tips.

So if your massage therapist isn’t currently using these amazing oils, then you can suggest different options based on what you might want or need from your massage.

Let’s get started!

Get Educated in Essential Oils for Massage

Some of the best essential oils for massage therapy have a rich history. They’ve been used for centuries in the healing of and recovery from many types of illnesses, pain and emotional trauma.

This list includes many familiar oils, as well as a few that are less common. Experiment with them to find the best one(s) for you.

Peppermint Oil

Many pure essential oils are used by massage therapists to help their clients reduce stress. And peppermint is well known for this property.

When mixed in a carrier oil, peppermint oil also calms tired and overworked muscles. It is also effective for mild pain relief and is often used for muscles spasms and pulled muscles.

When not used on the skin, it can be used in a diffuser and inhaled to calm the nervous system.

Geranium Oil

In traditional medicine, geranium has been used to improve the nervous system, promote better circulation and revitalize the body tissues. It is available in different blends that make it perfect for relieving stress where it’s held in the muscles.

Geranium oil is also notable for its relaxing and uplifting effects.

Plus, it’s good for the skin and has a gentle flowery fragrance. All of these qualities make it one of the best essential oils for massage.

Lemon Oil

Similar to geranium oil, lemon oil has a pleasant scent that helps uplift the mood and calm the nervous system. In fact, inhaling this oil helps with concentration and clearer thinking – both of which lend to greater alertness.

It’s also similar to geranium in that it is good for the skin. Lemon oil rejuvenates the surface of the skin – restoring brightness and giving it a more youthful appearance.

Lemon oil also helps people to release tension, anxiety, nervousness, and fatigue by promoting relaxation of the nervous system.

Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang ylang is one of the most diverse essential oils for massage.

It works as an anti-depressant to improve mood, while also having a sedative effect that can reduce one’s heart rate and blood pressure.

It is key to relieving back pain, neck pain and muscular pain from tension.

Ylang ylang also helps to ease pain or inflammation that results from a number of conditions including: